Manchester United will host Bournemouth at Old Trafford in the Premier League tomorrow.
Head coach Michael Carrick is fighting to save his job, and another disappointing performance or result could bring his time in charge to an abrupt end.
After an outstanding second half of the 2025-26 season, expectations were understandably high for both Carrick and his players heading into the new campaign.
Carrick has struggled to find fresh solutions, while several senior stars have failed to deliver the consistency and quality expected of them.
Now, he must show some ruthlessness and drop three established first-team players who have repeatedly fallen short this season.
Even if Bournemouth proves to be his final game in charge, the United manager must send a clear message that nobody is guaranteed a place in the starting XI.
The Old Trafford faithful would rather see academy graduates given the chance to learn from their mistakes than continue watching underperforming senior players receive opportunities they have done little to justify.
No space for entitlement at Man Utd
Diogo Dalot should be the first to face the axe after a thoroughly disappointing campaign.
The Portuguese has been asked to cover both full-back positions this season, but his performances have too often left United exposed at the back and lacking quality going forward.
Despite spending eight years at Old Trafford, Dalot continues to raise the same questions about his consistency.
Harry Amass is waiting in the wings for an opportunity at left-back after United blocked his proposed move to Burnley on transfer deadline day.
Noussair Mazraoui should be the second senior player to lose his place in the starting XI.
The Moroccan has not struggled to the same extent as Dalot, but Carrick can no longer afford to prioritise experience over performances as he fights to turn United’s season around.
Nico Paz embarrassed Mazraoui on several occasions on the left, forcing Carrick to switch formations and station the 28-year-old at right centre-back.
Even that tactical adjustment failed to prevent United from collapsing, as Como scored three goals in the second half to compound the misery.
Jaydan Kamason is an exciting young right-back who has impressed at academy level and deserves consideration for a first-team opportunity.
The 19-year-old may not yet be fully prepared for the demands of senior football, but he could inject the energy and commitment that Mazraoui has failed to demonstrate consistently in recent matches.
Bruno Fernandes also needs to be dropped. His performances have been poor but Carrick’s questionable tactical decisions have also contributed to his difficulties.
His criticism of Carrick and the coaching staff following the Como defeat was a poor way to handle the situation.
He is the leader of the group and he should have raised those concerns in the dressing room.
Shea Lacey scored a stunning goal against Brighton & Hove Albion in the Carabao Cup last month.
Lacey has made just one substitute appearance for the first team since that memorable moment.
The 19-year-old played as an attacking midfielder in pre-season and should get his second start in the famous United shirt tomorrow.
Stats from Fotmob.com